From layman to being able to understand Self and Bob Cordell's books. What's the fastest way to get there?

Building an amp from a kit is probably your best option vs designing an amp on your own for the first time. There is the DIYAudio store options and other contributors such as honey badger. You have determine your requirements and costs as that determines what options are available. Need tools, some instruments and experience in soldering and assembly
I have been working with Bob Cordell we will eventually make the Bc-1 amp in chapter 4 of his book available since the design is finished, we will be selling blank pcbs, with links to mouser shopping carts to order parts and full fdocumentation